The artificial sunrise washed the city in a soft, almost solemn glow. Today wasn't just any day. Today was the Day of Awakening.
I had breakfast in silence while my parents talked about anything they could, trying to hide how nervous they were. Mom kept fixing my uniform over and over even though it was already perfect. Dad tried giving me a motivational speech… but forgot half of what he wanted to say.
I was calmer than I expected. Maybe because I had already lived a life before. Or maybe because I had already accepted that, whatever happened, I would face it.
When we arrived at the Central Auditorium, thousands of students stood in lines, chatting about their theories and dreams.
They say someone from the upper class awakened a dragon world last year.
My cousin got a volcanic world with ogres another bragged.
I hope I get something elegant… like mermaids or spirits a girl sighed.
Nolan ran to me, almost out of breath.
Jian! I slept exactly nine hours. Nine! I'm ready!
Relax, it's not an exam I said.
Mira arrived shortly after, impeccable as always.
Congratulations on not fainting from nerves she said with a half-smile.
I'm learning from you I replied.
We were called by groups. Ours was the third.
We entered a circular room where a large glowing platform occupied the center. An instructor explained the process and asked us to place our hand on the crystal when our name was called.
One by one, my classmates stepped forward. Columns of light surrounded them, and a hologram revealed their spiritual world and primary race.
Emerald Forest World! Race: Guardian Lupines!
Tundra World! Race: Ice Giants!
Minor Volcanic World! Race: Magma Gremlins!
Everyone clapped, shouted, celebrated.
Then my turn came.
I placed my hand.
The light rose.
The hologram slowly formed.
I felt a force pulling toward me, as if something connected directly to my soul.
And then…
Clouded Swamp World!
Dominant race: Slime!
The room fell silent for two very long seconds.
Then the laughter started.
Seriously?
A slime? Not even a special one!
Hahaha, that's garbage.
Poor guy, what bad luck.
I took a deep breath.
I didn't care.
I didn't expect applause, and I didn't need them.
Nolan raised his voice.
Shut up! Slimes can be strong if you train them. Stop messing with him!
Mira added coldly:
At least he didn't awaken worms, Nolan.
Hey! he protested, but it was enough to make people stop.
We stepped off the platform, and even though many still looked at me mockingly, my mind was elsewhere.
Because the moment the hologram vanished… a voice echoed in my head.
> [World Evolution System Activated]
Welcome, User.
Your initial race: Basic Slime.
Main function unlocked: Sacrifice.
By sacrificing your subordinates, you gain Evolution Points.
With evolution points and monster materials, you can evolve your slimes into new forms and abilities.
I felt something ignite within my spiritual world.
A glowing circle appeared above the swamp, and I saw dozens of slimes round, simple… but alive.
Waiting for orders.
Depending on me.
> A weak world… does not mean a weak future.
The system continued:
> You may combine minerals, beast parts, and evolution points to create hybrid slimes, elemental slimes, metallic slimes, giant slimes, war slimes…
Evolution has no limits.
My heart sped up.
This…
This wasn't normal.
It wasn't anything like the known evolution systems on this planet.
It was something different.
Something unique.
And I wasn't telling anyone.
Mira walked beside me, analyzing me.
You don't look very affected she said.
I'm fine I replied.
Nolan placed a hand on my shoulder.
Bro, don't worry. We'll get strong together. I've got your back.
Thanks I told both of them. But I'll be fine.
Because I knew something they didn't.
Slimes might start as trash.
But if you evolve them properly…
They become monsters.
As we headed back to the auditorium, a smile formed on my lips.
My world was a swamp.
My race was slime.
And everyone was laughing.
Perfect.
Because when the time comes…
They'll regret it.